What does the automation ROI calculator measure?

It estimates the labor value of hours saved, subtracts monthly software cost and accounts for a one-time setup cost.

Should setup cost include employee time?

Yes. Include outside consultant fees and the internal time needed to design, build and maintain the workflow.

Calculator

Estimate whether an automation tool is likely to pay for itself based on time saved, labor cost and software cost.

Strong positive estimate

The estimate suggests the automation could be worth exploring, especially if the workflow is repeatable and easy to maintain.

These are not guaranteed savings. Treat the result as a planning prompt, then verify it against real usage after the workflow is live.

Start with one workflow, such as lead capture, appointment follow-up or invoice admin.
Use conservative assumptions for time saved and labor cost.
Count only repeatable work that the automation will actually remove.
Re-check the estimate after 30 days of real usage.
Compare the result with tool pricing, plan limits and setup effort.

Copying leads from forms into a CRM.

Creating tasks from customer emails or support requests.

Sending meeting reminders and follow-up messages.

Updating weekly reports from several tools.